Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  First and Last Honda - 2007 Honda Accord
  By CarKat - June 18 - 10:47 am

  Having been a devoted Toyota owner for 30 years I decided in 2007 to make the move to Honda. At 5000 miles I noticed that the rear lug nuts were rusting, odd since the SE alloy rims shouldnt do that. Honda replaced them at no charge. At 16,500 when car went in for oil change and state inspection I was notified that the rear brake calipers were rusted thus causing the rear brake pads to wear which now needed to be replaced! I was told it was because I dont drive the car enough. I drive everyday to work in stop and go traffic. After no reply from the dealer or Honda of America I am trading in the rust mobile for another Toyota.

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  Good, but not without its flaws - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Michael B - June 17 - 8:24 pm

  The Insight looks great (nicer than the Prius in my opinion), generally drives well, and gets excellent fuel mileage at a cheap price. Ive only been driving it for 300 miles (roughly 40%/60% city/highway) and it has already topped 42 mpg and is still climbing. Its an extremely quiet car unless you floor it (and even then...) Im not sure why noise is such a common complaint. Overall, I am very satisfied. However, there are a number of annoyances: Auto-stop. Stop and go for any period of time will make you wish you could turn it off. You cant. Accelerating from 0 to 10 is *very* jerky. Above 10 mph its fine. Again, awful in stop and go traffic. The hatch creates a rear blind spot.

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  Another good one so far - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By scooter - June 17 - 2:28 pm

  We have had ten hondas during the last 25 years. Each one has been better than the last. Like most, this one hasnt had a single defect yet. I know its early, but so far so good. Especially like that the ride is quieter than our 2004 Odyssey, and the mileage is 24 mpg, 5 mpg more than Odyssey. I find the instrumentation excellent with the Gage for obtaining best mileage useful. Excellent handling and braking, no major blind spots. I find it very competent. Exterior styling could be upped some tho.

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  Love my 2011 Pilot - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Mac1 - June 17 - 1:24 pm

  I traded in my 2005 pilot for the 2011 and I am very happy with my choice. This vehicle is totally redesigned from the 05. roomier and more comfort. My only complaint is the gas mileage is AWFUL! I find myself at the gas station every 2-3 days! I purchased the top of the line model w/rear dvd and nav. My family loves it. This is our 6th honda purchase. We also have the 08 CR-V. When something is good you stick with it and Hondas are GREAT. Highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Practical, Safe, would recommend. - 2008 Honda Civic
  By JLK - June 17 - 8:03 am

  Bought it new and didnt realize it already had paint chips on the rear bumper but the dealership fixed that. I would not buy the two door again we have no kids but even getting the dogs in and out and groceries, its just not convenient. Overall I would buy another one but the 4 door. I did have the manual so it got better mpg avgd about 35 mostly highway. City driving dropped significantly to 26. VERY SAFE. I was t-boned by a Jeep grand Cherokee who was going 50 mph and came out with just whiplash and and a stitched toe from the clutch. I would definitely recommend to anyone in search of reliability, safety, and gas mileage. Not too fun to drive but practical.

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  Incredibly roomy, practical SUV - 2006 Honda Element
  By Matt - June 16 - 10:10 pm

  This is a great little SUV that was the most reliable car Ive ever owned. Its incredibly roomy and very practical for everything. The performance is adequate. It wont impress you with its acceleration but it never feels underpowered. Handling is good but there is a lot of lean. The suicide doors are interesting, but the door mounted front seat belts are a problem when you need to drop off rear seat passengers.

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  15 years of purfect - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By Gord - June 16 - 4:29 pm

  Love my Honda. I bought it new in 95 and its been a great little work horse. Ive fixed little rust spots so they dont get away. Today it still looks like it last years model. Ive run it at 90 mph with no probs. Generally drive 70 - 75. It slows on take off with 4 passengers but its well powered for 2 people. I see in reading other reviews I should do the timing belt. OK Next week. Im at 150k miles. I had the ignition switch problem too. But the really big dangerous one is the ball joints. One upper let go at 140k. Watch out! It cost me $3000 in mechanical and body repairs. Lucky we had just slowed for a sharp turn at 20 mph.

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  Unsatisfactory paint - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By mrs1709 - June 16 - 4:15 pm

  The paint is literally peeling off of my pilot. It all started when the vehicle was about 3 years old, I contacted Honda who told me it was due to using car washes instead of hand washing. Ha, its never been in a car wash but still they would do nothing. Now I must pay for a paint job before winter because it is rusting. My Honda is the blue metallic and the paint is horrible! Shame on you Honda!

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  Bad Transmission/ steering and suspension - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By bad transmissions - June 16 - 2:20 pm

  All went well with this van until 105,000 mi. At which point transmission began to slip and misfire. Disappointed with dealership and Honda support in light of class action suit awarded to van owners. Honda never stepped up to the plate with obvious faulty transmission design. Also, bushings / bearings and struts need replacement according to 3 different opinions. Cost for new transmission and steering suspension problem $6000.00 dealer told me you get 150k miles out these w/o major problems.

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  Wish I Could Love This Car, But I Dont - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Jeff - June 16 - 9:36 am

  Based on Hondas reputation, I bought this Accord. Initially, I loved it. But, in the two years Ive owned it, I have had constant brake problems (car shakes under braking and the brakes wore out early). The dealership replaced the brakes all the way around at no charge. Then I had the A/C leak water all over my feet. The seats are extremely uncomfortable. I dread the thought of long trips in this car. Finally, my biggest complaint is the noises I hear from parts of the car. Honda is known for their build quality but all I do is go from one rattle to the other. The dealership has gotten to know me quite well. As long as I have a warranty, theyre going to fix my rattles.